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World Bank, National Trade Facilitation Committee scrutinise import/ export processes at Apapa Customs

–frown at short time for container examination

— Olomu says trade facilitation in Apapa is a tradition 

Funso Olojo
The National Trade Facilitation Committee in collaboration with the World Bank has engaged the management of the Apapa command of the Nigeria Customs Service to understudy the processes of import and export trade in the command.
The team, which comprises representatives from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the World Bank, NAFDAC, SON, and Nigerian Shippers’Council, said its mission at the Apapa Customs was to study the operations and procedures of clearance of goods, identify inherent bottlenecks and proffer solutions.
According to Dr. Brenda Max-Nduagube, the representative of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, the Federal government attaches great importance to trade facilitation, hence the reason the government collaborates with the World Bank to study trade processes at the nation’s ports and border posts, identify areas of shortcomings and offer solutions.
Mr. Alejandra Stojanov, an economist with the World Bank said they are interested to know the day to day operational procedures of the command, its import and export processes, the tariff determination, cargo classification and digital and automation programme at the command.
Stojanov also said the team wanted to know the impact of forex on the command operations.
Addressing the team, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Area Controller of Apapa customs said trade facilitation is a tradition at the command.
“Apart from revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities of the command, trade facilitation is another area of our operations which the CGC Wale Adeniyi is very much passionate about”
” We know without the facilitation of legitimate trade, there can’t be revenue generation,” Comptroller Olomu told his guests.
Delving into the administrative method that drives his vision, Olomu said since he assumed duties in May 2024, he has leveraged stakeholders’ engagement, and collaboration with other sister agencies and drive the action of the command through intelligence.
“These three pillars of our administration have really helped us so far” he declared.
While explaining to the team the extent to which the present Customs management led by CGC Adewale Adeniyi has worked to improve trade facilitation at the ports, Olomu stated that the CGC  has introduced Authorised Economic Operator( AEO) and Advance Ruling system.
He said these are two new concepts introduced by the present Customs management to further deepen trade facilitation strategy at the ports.
” The CGC has significantly addressed the issue of trade facilitation.
” From fast track, we have upgraded to AEO.
“We have kick-started the process”
Olomu however said the compilation of the beneficiaries is ongoing because the programme is for compliant traders.
He also declared that as mandated by the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Service has set up Advance Ruling concept in order to facilitate trade.
“Apapa command has already keyed into these concepts to facilitate trade in the command” he declared.
Olomu also revealed the efforts of the Customs Service to promote export trade when the CGC engaged the Nigerian Ports Authority towards harmonizing the process.
” To underscore his desire to promote export trade and make it seamless, the CGC has ordered that the five export terminals at Apapa be collapsed into one-stop shop for export called Lagos Export Processing Command.
Deputy Comptroller Wale Adenuga, the DC Revenue at the command further described the initiatives of the command to promote trade facilitation.
” We get manifest electronically from the shipping company 24 hours before the arrival of the vessels and if you are a compliant trader, you take delivery of your goods in 24 to 48 hours” he declared.
DC Adenuga further explained that the operations at the command are fully automated and still a work in progress.
” All the 50 bonded terminals under the control of the command are interlinked to our server while all the relevant agencies can access our operations through the Single window system.
” We are on Nigeria Customs Information System( NCIS 11) and still working to upgrade it.
“So we have a robust automation system which promotes seamless operations with a top-notch server at our Customs Processing Centre (CPC) which can only be disrupted by bad weather,” Adenuga said.
He revealed that the command also uses three layers of goods evacuation which are through land, water( barges) and rails.
” But due to traffic gridlock, we encourage the use of barges and about 50 percent of traders in Apapa have embraced the use of barges while about 25 percent go by road and the rest by rail”
Adenuga also informed that the command has an efficient scanning operation as the scanner has the capacity to scan 200 containers a day.
He however lamented that the scanning machine, which can scan a container within three minutes, is underutilized due to lack of capacity and logistics problems of the AP Moller to position containers for scanning.
” As a result of these, we do 120 containers a day and this further boosts our trade facilitation at the command,” the DC Revenue said.
Despite his claim that the existing scanner is underutilized, Adenuga said the command needs more scanners.
A Superintendent of Customs from the Headquarters however said the service is still expecting six more scanners from China and two to three of these will be deployed to Apapa port whenever they arrive.
However, the Trade Facilitation Committee frowned at the time allocated to the examination of containers which is done between 12 noon and 4 pm.
” How many containers could be examined within so short a time of four hours? a NAFDAC representative on the committee queried.
” No wonder there is a backlog of containers at the port” she noted.
But the customs said they were ready to start examinations by 8 am but it was the terminal owners which decided to start positioning containers by 12 noon.
The team visited other units at the command as well as the scanning site to get first-hand experience of the operations at Apapa customs.
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Customs

Relief as Customs grants January 31st, 2026 extension for fast track operators to migrate to AEO

Funso Olojo
The Nigeria Customs Service has now extended the earlier December 31st, 2025 deadline for the migration of importers from fast track scheme to Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) to January 31st, 2026.
The extension, according to the Customs Authority, is meant to absorb more fast track operators into the AEO programme, deepen trade facilitation, secure supply chain and strengthen compliance in line with global standards.
As a result of the extension, Customs high command advised all existing Fast Track beneficiaries who are yet to complete their migration are to initiate and conclude their AEO applications through the official platform: aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng.
“The extended timeline provides operators with ample opportunity to meet programme requirements and secure AEO certification without disruption to their business operations.
” For enquiries, technical support, or guidance, stakeholders may reach the dedicated helpdesk via aeo@customs.gov.ng.
“Only companies duly certified under the AEO Programme will continue to access the facilitation privileges previously available under the Fast Track Scheme.
The AEO Programme is a globally recognised compliance-based initiative that grants trusted operators enhanced benefits such as expedited cargo release, reduced documentation, lower inspection levels, pre-arrival processing, and greater predictability in cross-border trade.
” The extension reinforces the Service’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and inclusive transition process for all stakeholders.
“This decision to fully migrate from the fast-track scheme to AEO is consistent with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and is supported by Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
To further support stakeholders and sustain ongoing sensitisation efforts, the Service will convene another comprehensive Stakeholders Engagement Forum to provide practical guidance on the migration process, demonstrate application procedures, and address compliance-related concerns.
 The forum is scheduled for Thursday, 18 December 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos, from 0900hrs to 1600hrs.
“Participants will have the opportunity to interact with AEO implementation teams and obtain detailed information on programme requirements, benefits, and operational modalities.
“The NCS urges all fast-track beneficiaries to take advantage of the extension period, participate actively in the engagement forum, and complete their transition to the AEO Programme.
” This proactive involvement not only ensures compliance with applicable regulations but also enhances the supply chain’s effectiveness and sustainability, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits all parties.
“The Service remains committed to driving trade efficiency, enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness, protecting national revenue, and promoting a predictable, transparent, and secure cargo clearance ecosystem that supports legitimate business” the agency declared.
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Customs

Again, Customs, NDLEA Collabo intercepts 2,374 packages of Canadian Loud at Apapa Port

– Comptroller Oshoba warns illicit traders against daring resolve of Customs Officers at Yuletide season 
Funso OLOJO 
For the second times in a week,  the impregnable wall of surveillance mounted by the combination of the Apapa Customs and the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against the exit of  illicit drugs from Apapa Port has interdicted a 20- foot container marked FCIU 6369526 laden with 2,374 packages of cannabis concealed in 55 bags with a  total weight of 1,187kg.
This interception, the product of a credible intelligence, came barely 5 days both agencies uncovered 25.5kg cocaine in a Brazilian flagged vessel.
The latest seizure was suspected to be
Canadian Loud, an expensive strain of cannabis concealed inside an imported vehicles.
 Both agencies, in the course of joint examination, discovered the seizure which has been taken into the custody of the NDLEA.
A breakdown of the drugs indicates that they were packed in 500 grams per sachet
Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, commended the robust synergy between the NCS and NDLEA while reiterating the service zero tolerance for smuggling.
 ” Few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due check. Our synergy as agencies of government will always put us ahead of criminal elements.
 “No matter the volume of trade we are processing, we will never sacrifice national security and economy for any form of trade.
“While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for government, our eagle eyed officers are activated to be alert at all times.
 ” Let me warn, once again for the umpteenth time, any trader- importer, exporter, freight forwarder or licensed customs agent that dares our resolve this Yuletide season and beyond ,will face the full wrath of the law.
“Investigations are ongoing on this seizure and we shall bring the perpetrators to book” Comptroller Oshoba said.
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Customs

Comptroller Aliyu vows to sustain onslaught on smugglers as he assumes duties at FOU A

Funso OLOJO 
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, the new controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU ) A of the Nigeria Customs Service, has expressed his determination to sustain the ongoing stranglehold on smugglers and other illicit traders within the Zone
Comptroller Aliu make this pledge on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 when he assumed duties as the helmsman of the Zone A anti- smuggling unit.
He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for the opportunity to serve in the unit.
The new controller also commended outgoing Controller of the Unit, Muhammed Shuaibu, who has been elevated to an Assistant Comptroller General for his outstanding service, achievement and pledged to consolidate on them for greater success.
“I assure you that we will consolidate on these achievements for even greater successes.
“The FOU Zone A plays a critical role in enforcing compliance,  suppressing smuggling and safeguarding the economic integrity of our dear nation.
” I am aware of the enormous responsibilities that come from this position especially within a zone as strategic, dynamic and challenging as Lagos and its environment.
“However, I am confident that with the cooperation and professionalism of the gallant officers and men of this command , we will continue to fulfill this mandate diligently.”
Aliyu, who until his new disposition, was the Customs Area Controller of Oyo/ Osun Command, outlined other key areas of focus that will guide the unit under his watch to include professional conduct and discipline among officers, stakeholders engagement as well as capacity building and welfare of officers.
He said, “High standards of ethics, discipline and integrity as well as accountability will remain non-negotiable.
” Every officer must ensure that their actions reflect the core values of the service.
“We will deepen collaboration with sister agencies ,community leaders and the trading public to strengthen border security and facilitate lawful trade.
“The motivation and welfare of officers will be prioritized to ensure improved efficiency and operational readiness.”
Aliyu assured stakeholders and the trading public that justice, equity and fairness will guide the unit’s actions at all times.
He added that the unit’s operations under his watch would be underpinned by three cardinal objectives including management change, compliance management, and reputation management.
He called on all officers and stakeholders to join hands with him in this new role, promising to operate an open door policy.
Earlier, in his valedictory speech,  outgoing Controller, ACG Shuaibu, highlighted the unit’s major successes during his seven-month tenure, which began on April 23, 2025.
He stated that the unit recorded a total of 476 interceptions, comprising 761 seized items with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N10.151 billion.
Some of the notable seizures listed included: 23,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 38 trailers).
 98 ‘tokunbo’vehicles, 2,350 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, and 1,820 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Others are 15 assorted rifles and 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two industrial drones, 25 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and 4 cylinders of Russian-made explosives (each weighing 50kg), seizure of $30,000 and 110 CFA, totaling N31 million, which has been secured as final forfeiture to the Federal Government.
Additionally, he said the unit within the review period arrested 38 suspects and handed over eight containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.5 billion to NAFDAC, among other items.
Beyond enforcement, ACG Shuaibu stated that the unit recovered a total sum of N419,202,458.85 through demand notices issued on questionable declarations and undervalues, ensuring compliance with import and export regulations.
He attributed the successes to the unwavering support of stakeholders and dedicated officers, urging them to extend the same level of cooperation to Comptroller Aliu.
“I am confident that the foundation we have built will continue to flourish. Our shared objective remains to sustain prudent stewardship and strengthen the fight against smuggling.
” To my successor, I extend heartfelt congratulations on your appointment. I wish you great success and have no doubt that your leadership will usher in new perspectives and further advancement in these pivotal roles, ” he said.
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